Lord of the Flies

"Fatal Unreasoning Knowledge"

LRDFLS-XX6MEY

He argued unconvincingly that they would let him alone, perhaps even make an outlaw of him. But then the fatal unreasoning knowledge came to him again. The breaking of the conch and the deaths of Piggy and Simon lay over the island like a vapor. These painted savages would go further and further. Then there was that indefinable connection between himself and Jack; who therefore would never let him alone; never.

What is meant by the phrase "fatal unreasoning knowledge" as used in the passage above?

A

It refers to Ralph's knowledge of his own mortality; now, more than ever, he is thinking about the end of life and what it means.

B

It means that Ralph understands that the tribe will hunt him down and try to kill him, just as they've killed Simon and Piggy.

C

It signifies that Ralph is now thinking like Piggy. For the first time, he is able to logically size up his situation and understand the gravity of it.

D

It refers to Ralph's fatal flaw: his inability to comprehend just how evil Jack and his tribe have become.